PHNOM PENH, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday expressed "the deepest sympathy" to China and the victims of a strong earthquake, which hit Sichuan Province on Saturday and killed at least 188 people and injured tens of thousands.

"I am extremely saddened to learn about the extensive loss of lives, hundreds of thousands of injuries and damages caused by the massive earthquake that struck in Sichuan Province in the southwestern part of China on Saturday," Hun Sen said in a condolence letter to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

"On behalf of Cambodian government, Cambodian people and in my own name, I would like to convey to Your Excellency and the government and the people of China, particularly to the victims and members of the bereaved families, our deepest sympathy and profound condolences on the tragic loss of lives and destruction brought about by this natural disaster," he said.

He added that he is firmly convinced that under the strong leadership of Chinese government, the Chinese people will minimize the losses to the greatest degree and overcome the disaster.

The death toll has risen to at least 188 on Monday, with more than 11,000 others injured, in the quake that jolted Lushan County of Sichuan's Ya'an City on Saturday. More than 1.5 million people reportedly have been affected by the disaster.